Meet the Opponent: MVSU hopes to find footing at FAMU's expense in home, SWAC opener
The Mississippi Valley Delta Devils are still searching for their first win in Week 5.
The Delta Devils hope to cling to victory at the expense of the Florida A&M Rattlers in a Southwestern Athletic Conference East matchup at Itta Bena, Mississippi’s Rice-Totten Stadium.
MVSU is off to a cold start, beginning the season with two losses to NCAA Division II teams Central State and Delta State, followed by faltering 45-3 to reigning HBCU Celebration Bowl champions North Carolina Central last Saturday during Week 4’s Circle City Classic in Indianapolis. Meanwhile, FAMU, ranked No. 18 in the Football Championship Subdivision Coaches Poll, has won three of its first four games, last defeating Alabama State 23-10 in a Week 4 SWAC East game.
MVSU (0-3) and FAMU (3-1, 2-0 SWAC) will match up on Saturday at 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
“I think the most talented team we’ll face up to this point is FAMU," MVSU first-year head coach Kendrick Wade said at Monday’s SWAC coaches' media session.
“FAMU is the type of team that looks to punk you out. And if they can, they will. We don’t back down from anybody. So, it's going to be a challenge, and we look forward to it.”
The Delta Devils can finally host a game after playing in two neutral site contests and a road game. Furthermore, it will be MVSU’s first conference game, unlike the Rattlers, who have played two against Jackson State and ASU.
Wade, a former MVSU star wide receiver, is excited to make progress towards a rebuild as the Delta Devils haven’t boasted a winning season since 2006 under head coach Willie Totten.
“Our season starts this weekend, with this being our SWAC opener. We know that our fans are going to show up and show out," Wade said.
“We want to show everyone that we are improved. The best thing about this team is that our kids keep showing up every day and are not deterred by anything. The best thing about this team is that our kids keep showing up every day and are not deterred by anything. They haven’t looked at us being 0-3 and started to revert to some other things.
“They’re staying true to the process.”
Mississippi Valley looking forward to opportunity to reverse slow start against FAMU
The Delta Devils have utilized three different quarterbacks in their first three games this season ― Ty’Jarian Williams, Dino Maldonado, and Jamari Jones.
Williams got the start against NCCU. The true freshman finished completing 11 of 22 passes for 81 yards. Altogether, Williams has connected on 23 of 37 passes for 157 yards in three games.
While MVSU haven't had its best showing thus far, Wade is encouraged by Williams’ performance and feels the quarterback could be the future of the Delta Devils.
“He’s played at a pretty high level considering he's a true freshman,” Wade said of the freshman quarterback. "He’s a competitor. He loves it. And the moment is never too big for that kid. It’s a pleasure to have him here on campus on our roster.
“I think in a couple of years, he’s going be one of the best quarterbacks in the SWAC — no ifs, and’s, or buts about it."
The Delta Devils faltered to the Rattlers 34-7 last year.
But hosting adds a different element. The last time FAMU visited MVSU, the Rattlers escaped Itta Bena with a narrow 31-28 win on a late Jah'Marae Sheread touchdown to secure the win.
So, MVSU is prepared to go to battle with the incoming FAMU.
“[FAMU is] a well-coached team — great athletes all over the field,” Wade said.
“From a personnel perspective, you’re dealing with a lot. It’s going to be a challenge. But it's business as usual for us. We’re staying true to who we are.
“I don't believe in moral victories by just going out and playing hard. [FAMU] is a tremendous football team, but so are we. We just got to go put four quarters together, and the outcome will take care of itself.”
No. 18 Florida A&M (3-1, 2-0 SWAC) at Mississippi Valley (0-3) SWAC Game Information
When: Saturday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. Eastern Time
Where: Rice-Totten Stadium in Itta Bena, Mississippi
How to watch: Rattlers+, Valley State Sports Network
Gerald Thomas, III covers Florida A&M University Athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at gdthomas@gannett.com or on Twitter @3peatgee.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU Football: MVSU Delta Devils aiming for first win against Rattlers
